Question

A 20-year-old university student is seen by his GP at home with fever, headache, photophobia and a non-blanching petechial rash. He is drowsy with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 13. An ambulance has been called. What is the single most appropriate immediate action for the GP?

Accepted Answer

Give intramuscular Benzylpenicillin before transfer

Answer

Give intramuscular Dexamethasone before transfer

Answer

Start oral Amoxicillin and review tomorrow

Answer

Perform lumbar puncture at home before transfer

Answer

Do nothing further until the ambulance arrives

Practice question

A 20-year-old university student is seen by his GP at home with fever, headache, photophobia and a non-blanching petechial rash. He is drowsy with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 13. An ambulance has been called. What is the single most appropriate immediate action for the GP?